Bar-Ilan University Hosts Giant Fair for Children of Southern Israel

Putting a smile on the faces of southern Israeli children under constant missile barrage was the goal of a giant fair hosted by Bar-Ilan University on the eighth day of Operation "Pillar of Defense".

Participants included residents of Nitzan, who were evacuated from Gush Katif as part of Israel's unilateral disengagement plan, Kibbutz Nitzanim, Ashkelon and additional southern locations.

"Five buses packed with hundreds of children and their parents arrived on campus first thing in the morning," said Michael Menchik, of the Student Union, which initiated the fair along with the Bar-Ilan University administration. "And hundreds more inquired about it over the phone thanks to our extensive efforts to publicize it," he added.

Awaiting them were massive inflatable slides and trampolines, arts and crafts booths, clowns, popcorn stands, plenty of food and drink – including breakfast and lunch -- donated by local businesses, and more.

Scores of Student Union representatives and nearly 30 additional Bar-Ilan students served as chaperones, doing all they could to ensure that the children enjoyed a day of calm and quiet.